Microsoft's latest instant-messaging client, MSN Messenger 4.5, offers a slick new interface and a solid set of basic features augmented by a few intriguing extras. MSN Messenger still doesn't provide a few key features, such as automatically saving your IM conversations for later review. And you can't send an IM to someone who isn't online; you get dumped at the Hotmail screen, which is sort of annoying. But it is a decent utility nonetheless.

The new interface is consistent with those found in MSN 7 and Windows XP, with large cartoonish icons and plenty of color. The software is easy to use, thanks to a simple menu along the bottom of the main window. The menu lists common tasks, such as Send an instant message and Add a contact. A slim ad banner updates regularly at the very bottom of the window, but it is relatively unobtrusive.

MSN Messenger 4.5 provides the basic communication features you'd expect—one-on-one, multiuser, and voice chat, for example—but does not support video chat in this version. Windows XP users have access to the capability via Messenger, however, which is part of the new OS. MSN Messenger 4.5 also provides SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) support for handhelds running Windows CE 4.0, although this is not extended to Palm OS devices.

A new key feature in MSN Messenger 4.5 is the integration of Microsoft's .NET alert service, which will notify you of various events, such as stock price changes and the status of eBay auctions. Along with the ability to send messages to MSN Mobile users, this helps round out the software's list of features.